Safran Helicopter Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have signed an agreement to create a new joint venture (JV) in India to develop, produce, sell, and support helicopter engines. The JV is being formed in anticipation of supporting HAL in the development of future helicopters for India’s Ministry of Defense (MoD), including the 13-ton Indian multirole helicopter, as part of the country's “Atmanirbhar Bharat” self-reliance objectives.
Safran and HAL have previously partnered on multiple engine programs, including the Shakti that powers HAL’s Dhruv, Rudra, and light combat helicopter, as well as the Ardiden 1U that powers HAL’s new light utility helicopter. More than 500 Shakti engines—the Indian variant of the Safran Ardiden 1H1, co-developed with HAL—have already been produced.
Through an already established JV in Goa, Helicopter Engines MRO Private, Safran, and HAL will provide MRO services for TM333 and Shakti engines currently in service with Indian Armed Forces by the end of 2023.
“This new joint venture marks a turning point in our relationship with HAL and the Indian MoD with the development and production of a new generation of helicopter engine,” said Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Franck Saudo.